There are plenty of movies out there that have changed people’s lives. Some movies are so fantastic that they’re literally timeless. You can watch them so many times and never get bored of them. That’s the magic of great film. And there are some movies that are so powerful and amazing, you really need to give them a watch at least once in your life before you die.
Maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but hey, put them on your bucket list, because they’re worth it! From thought-provoking movies to great action films, these are the ten movies you have to give a watch:
10. Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is one of those movies that can really change your perspective on things. Released back in 1984, Forrest Gump stars Tom Hanks. Forrest is a man who doesn’t really understand things very easily, but he’s gone through it all: Forrest Gump fought in Vietnam, captained a boat, was a college football player, and tries to even run across the world.
It’s a fantastic movie that can really give you a burst of inspiration. It’s also got one of the most famous quotes of all time in it: “My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
9. Fight Club
Fight Club is a powerful movie about depression and the lengths people will go to just to find a purpose in life. Many have interpreted Fight Club to be a commentary about consumerism and the problems that many men in society face.
Fight Club is a story about a man named the Narrator (he’s never given a real name, but is referred to often as Jack) who is supposed to represent the average man in society. He meets a soap salesman named Tyler Durden and the two decide to form an underground fight club.
The club is meant to be a place for men who are fed up and bored to let out that boredom in a fight, basically. It’s a really powerful movie and one that has a lot of interesting points to it.
8. Saving Private Ryan
Saving Private Ryan is probably the best World War II movie to-date and is full of powerful, fantastic, and interesting emotions. Starring Tom Hanks, Saving Private Ryan doesn’t stop short of showcasing the horrors and sadness that soldiers fighting in the war faced.
Saving Private Ryan tells the story of a company of soldiers that have to go save a young soldier named Private Ryan. They want to bring Ryan back home to his family after the rest of Ryan’s brothers are killed in action. It’s a harrowing tale of sorrow, loss, friendship, brotherhood, and sacrifice. It truly is a powerful film that’s worth watching with every drop of emotion out there.
7. Inception
Inception is a movie that wants you to think really hard, but not in a way that makes your brain go insane. Just in a way that makes you…well, think. Inception stars some great actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Cillian Murphy, which is a great bonus.
However, Inception’s strength lies in its interesting story. Inception takes place in a world where hacking into people’s dreams is a way to uncover and obtain information. The dream-world is a complicated one, and requires architects to design levels in the dream in order to help find the information. In Inception, the main characters want to put a thought inside of a character’s mind, but in order to do that, they have to go through a harrowing and potentially fatal experience.
The dreams are complicated and the worlds are elaborate, but it’s a great story, and one that you need to watch before you die for sure.
6. The Godfather
The Godfather is truly one of the greatest movies of all time, and represents great story-telling and great filmography. A story about a mafia family called the Corleone’s, The Godfather showcases the world of corruption, power, emotion, and family that underlies Italy’s mafia world.
The Godfather stars amazing actors like Marlon Brando and Al Pacino and shows how easily the world of crime and violence can suck people in. The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time and is based off of a novel by Mario Puzo. It’s truly a beautiful friend and has inspired many trends and includes some great quotes like: “Leave the gun, take the cannoli.” It’s a perfect trilogy of movies and you really should watch it before you die. If you don’t, you’ll regret it.
5. Goodfellas
Yes, we’ve got another mafia movie on this list. Mafia movies just tend to be really good because they know how to tell human stories while still including action, but also destroying your emotions slowly. Goodfellas tells the story of a man named Henry Hill and his life as a part of the Italian mob and the downward spiral his life goes under. Goodfellas was directed by Martin Scorsese, regarded typically as one of the greatest directors of our time.
4. The Matrix
The Matrix is a movie that has become a cultural phenomenon. The base of many jokes, the idea of living in a “matrix” has become a pretty popular trend on the internet. The Matrix is one of those movies that is a must-watch before you die for anybody.
The story follows a man named Neo (Keanu Reeves) who believes that a strange figure named Morpheus can answer his question about what the Matrix really is. Neo is later contacted by a stranger named Trinity who takes him to Morpheus. Neo must fight against dangerous and intelligent agents and learn what the Matrix truly is. The Matrix is truly a movie that is timeless.
3. Gladiator
Set in Ancient Rome, Gladiator is a powerful movie that shows the power of the human spirit and the harshness of the world of gladiators. Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a former general who is forced to become a gladiator after the emperor’s son becomes jealous of him.
The son has Maximus’ family killed and then has Maximus sold into slavery as a gladiator. However, Maximus becomes famous in the arena for his skill and might. Gladiator is a fantastic movie with a soundtrack by the extremely talented Hans Zimmer. It’s certainly a movie that’s worth watching.
2. A Beautiful Mind
Another Russell Crowe movie to add to the list, but this one is a bit different. A Beautiful Mind is based off of a true story about a man named Dr. John Forbes Nash, who is known for his economic theories. If you study business or economics, you’ve likely heard of game theory before. You have Dr. Nash to thank for that.
A Nobel prize winner, Dr. Nash’s story is an inspiration and A Beautiful Mind is one of the most heart wrenching, powerful movies ever made. John Forbes Nash Jr. was a brilliant mathematician who was afflicted by schizophrenia. His diagnosis impacts much of his life and relationships. A Beautiful Mind delves deep into the hardships of schizophrenia and the enduring human spirit Nash had to overcome his condition.
1. Braveheart
Braveheart is one of the most amazing movies ever released with a soundtrack and cinematography worth raving about. Braveheart tells the story of a medieval Scottish patriot named William Wallace who must contend with a revolt against the English after the love of his life is slaughtered. William Wallace leads his army into epic battles against England. Although he is captured and executed, his legacy became a symbol for the Scottish people.
The film covers the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. Braveheart is definitely an emotionally powerful and violent movie, but it is beautiful nonetheless.
Conclusions
Are there any other movies you think are must-watches? Let us know in the comments below! Also, let us know which movie on this list is your favorite!
Honorable Mention: The Last of the Mohicans
We decided to add a bit of a bonus, because The Last of the Mohicans is definitely a movie that you NEED to watch. It’s absolutely amazing, brilliant, and beautiful. It also boasts one of the best soundtracks out there.
The Last of the Mohicans is a movie about the last members of a dying Native American tribe (The Mohicans), Uncas, Chingachgook, and Hawkeye. They live peacefully alongside British colonists, but when the daughters of a British colonel are kidnapped by a traitorous scout, Hawkeye and Uncas must rescue them. However, they are caught in the crossfire of the French and Indian War — a bloody, seven year conflict.
It’s a beautiful movie that’s worth a watch.
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